NFPS Ltd has been operating as a training company since 1998 and provides training and consultancy in physical intervention, conflict resolution and risk management and assessment.

Over the years NFPS Ltd has provided training and consultancy to a wide range of industry sectors including NHS, care, education (schools and colleges), local authorities, security agencies, housing associations, probations service area, charities and police and prison personnel.

All training is delivered to National Awarding Body Standards and as a Pearson Centre of many years, standing NFPS Ltd delivers specific BTEC qualifications in physical intervention, conflict resolution and risk management and assessment, which allow us to deliver a structured approach to learning and development which provides good evidence for audit and investigative purposes if required.

Mark Dawes (founder of NFPS Ltd) is also an Expert Witness on the use of physical force and all training provided is contextualized within UK statute and common law and there is regular input from legal professionals.

All training is also compliant with current relevant industry sector specific guidance. For example, The DoH Positive and Proactive Care Guidance, DfEE Guidance for Schools, Skills for Care and Skills for Health guidelines and NICE guidance to name a few.

NFPS training is also Human Rights Compliant

Medical Reviews

Our physical intervention and breakaway techniques are all subject to regular medical reviews by Dr. Tony Bleetman, one of the UK’s most respected independent medical experts.

In addition, scientific evidence on the risk of restraint positional asphyxiation has been provided by Dr. John Parkes of Coventry University who is considered to be one of the worlds’ leading experts on restraint positional asphyxia.

The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide To The Children’s Homes Regulations Including the Quality Standards - April 2015

NFPS Ltd training also complies with The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015’ and the Guide To The Children’s Homes Regulations Including the Quality Standards - April 2015’ in ensuring that our training has been medically assessed to demonstrate that it is safe for use in a context of caring for children who are still developing, physically and emotionally.

In addition, our training approach is routinely reviewed the ensure the effectiveness of our restraint system and that the medical assessment of the system remains up to date.

Safeguarding

NFPS Ltd is also committed to protecting children and risk and vulnerable adults through our commitment to safeguarding and you can view our Safeguarding Policy here: http://www.nfps.info/safeguarding-policy.

Skills for Care and Skills for Health Compliance

We provide theory in line with the Skills for Health and Skills for Care requirements. Our Conflict Resolution package meets the NHS requirements that were laid down by the NHS Security Management Service.

We also offer training aligned to BTEC National Vocational Standard via Pearson's which is the largest Awarding Organisations in the UK, which means that the training has a structured approach to learning and assessment and internal and external verification.

Awarding Organisation Compliance

As a Pearson Awarding Organisation Centre NFPS Ltd has clear governance policy and procedures in place and NFPS Ltd operates a full Quality Management System, which was built around an ISO 9001 2008 framework so there are full governance systems in place.

As part of our Awarding Body status we are regularly inspected by Standards Verifiers and External Examiners and we have to undertake Centre Risk Assessment every year to ensure that we are operating in line with the Awarding Organisations criteria.

Independent Review of Training

In 2009 The Priory Group undertook a review of their Management of Violence and Aggression (MVA) training (now called PMVA Training). After carrying out the review the decision was taken to change their approach to this training by adopting the NFPS Ltd system of work because the Priory Group were looking for a more evidence-based approach to training provision which was:

Legally defensible,

Ethically and morally appropriate for our range of client services,

Which actually worked in practice – an important factor when considering the staff who would be expected to use the skills,

Provided a cost effective, safe system of work.

An extract from the survey is as follows:

“Since moving over to the NFPS system of work we have managed to achieve all of the above points – as well as providing training that keeps our clients and staff safe, a major benefit has seen indirect and direct cost savings.

In addition, we also reduced the number of techniques now taught to staff from 137 to only 7. This is important in that if something is easy to learn it can be easily taught, and, more importantly, easily recalled when required in situations of high emotional arousal.

Recently we conducted an independent comparative survey of the new NFPS system against the previous system used. The research project was undertaken by the University of Southampton and the aim of the report was to ensure that the NFPS system of work is acceptable clinically, ethically and legally.

The findings from the survey were as follows:

The training provided by NFPS Ltd is consistent with all of the legal requirements for training that the Priory is expected to comply with, such as: the Mental Health Act [2007], the NHS papa Proposed Standards for Training in the Prevention and Therapeutic Management of Violence in Adult Mental Health Settings [2003] and the Mental Health Act Code of Practice [2008], NICE Guidance [2005], the Care Quality Commission [2009] guidance that highlights staff support, appropriate training, safer services for patients and investment in the workforce with regard to their wellbeing and safety.

With regard to the use of force with children and young people the training provided by NFPS Ltd complies with all of the legislative requirements and is consistent with the following legislation: The Children Act 1989, The United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child, The Education and Inspections Act 2007 and the relevant guidance issued by various Government departments.

The training provided by NFPS Ltd is also compliant with all of the relevant statutory requirements in relation to the use of physical force including; Common and Criminal Law and the Human Rights Act 1998.

In addition, the training provided by NFPS Ltd meets all of the Health and Safety legislative requirements, including techniques which are developed and assessed for risk consistent with the Manual Handling Regulations 1992.

The seven techniques provided by the NFPS system of work provide sufficient restriction of patients to prevent aggressive or violent behavior and were suitable across all clinical areas that the Priory, including Secure Services, Adults, Adolescents, Acute Services and Eating Disorders.

The staff feel supported and able to cope with the circumstances that may arise in all of the service areas because of the simplicity of the techniques and the legal and ethical underpinning the NFPS Ltd system of work provides.

All staff that took part in the survey confirmed that the training they receive is easier to work with than the previous system of work used.

The one thing that makes NFPS Ltd stand out is the ongoing support we get. If any advice is needed MarkDawes is only a phone call or an e-mail away and we are able to call upon him at any time to assist us in any issue that we feel we require his input into – and most of this is done at no additional cost.

The training style used by NFPS is brilliant. Unlike some providers, it is not demonstrative or autocratic. It is totally inclusive. Learners on courses are made to feel very welcome and put at ease right from the start and I think this is because Mark and John know their subject inside-out.

Janet Cowie, Group HRD Manager

NFPS Ltd is still working with the Priory Group and has been instrumental in helping develop and produce the Priory’s approach to successfully Reducing Restrictive Practices in line with Government Guidance.

I hope that the above helps and if I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

Mark Dawes, Director, NFPS Ltd. June 2017.

Reference: http://www.nfps.info/nfps-ltd-accreditation

More Details about NFPS, please visit he NFPS Official Website: http://www.nfps.info/

Remark: Mr. Lawrence Chu (The Executive Director of Hong Kong Society of Professional Training, HKSPT) has been personally trained, vetted and audited by NFPS Ltd since 2008, HKSPT is also the Hong Kong Representative of NFPS Ltd (UK) since 2012.